Protected IP telephony calls using encryption

ABSTRACT

Communication information transmitted in the broadband communication system may be in a packet format and secured using encryption techniques, for example encryption software, including a means for providing an initial security key and updated security keys to the various pieces of communication equipment located throughout the broadband communication system. When communication equipment, for example a gateway, is first registered with, for example, an IP central station, the IP central station assigns an initial encryption key to the gateway that is assigned and retained by a server, for example a call manager server, and the gateway (e.g., broadband residential gateway). This initial encryption key may be used to establish a secure two way communication between two pieces of communication equipment as an originating point communication equipment and a terminating point communication equipment.

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 09/475,661 filed Dec. 30, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,321 which is incorporated herein by reference.

A cross-reference list of related applications is provided at the end of the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments section of the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to communication between users in diverse communication systems, and more particularly, to providing secure communications in a broadband communication system including an Internet Protocol Telephony Network and public switched telephone network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present day telephony voice networks, have a network built around circuit switches, end offices, a toll network, tandem switches, and twisted pair wires. These voice networks are referred to as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or plain old telephone service (POTS). Due to bandwidth limitations of plain old telephone service (POTS), there is an inherent inability to efficiently integrate multiple types of media such as telephony, data communication for personal computers (PC), and television (TV) broadcasts. Accordingly, a new broadband architecture is required. This new architecture gives rise to a new array of user services including new ways of securing communications.

Communications, for example telephone calls, made on existing wireline PSTN have a certain level of security since they are comprised of a dedicated hard-wired systems. On the other hand, communications made using packet-based broadband communication networks (e.g., IP telephony) are transmitted through a shared media may be accessed by unauthorized hackers that have access to the shared media. The level of security on a shared media system is thus less than the level of security offered by traditional dedicated hard-wired systems. Therefore, there is a need to increase the security of communications (e.g., IP telephony call) made using a packet based broadband communication system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention include providing broadband access capabilities or enhanced services for use in conjunction with a packetized network such as an Internet Protocol (IP) based system infrastructure.

Other aspects of the invention include providing one or more of the following either individually, or in any combination or sub-combination:

a new broadband architecture;

broadband network capabilities, including local access;

enhanced services for use in conjunction with a packetized network such as an Internet Protocol (IP) based system infrastructure. One such enhanced service includes enhanced security communications.

The present invention provides for protected communications in a powerful, facilities-based, broadband communications system that guarantees voice, data and video communication reliability and security to users for an multimedia system including integrated telephone, television and data network. Packetized communication information transmitted in the broadband communication system may be secured using encryption techniques, for example encryption software. Such techniques may include a means for providing an initial security key and updated security keys to the various pieces of communication equipment located throughout the broadband communication system, for example a customer premises gateway (e.g., a broadband residential gateway (BRG)) or a gateway for inter-linking with another communication network (e.g. voice gateway (VG)).

In one variation of the invention, when equipment, for example, a gateway, is first registered with, for example, an IP central station, the IP central station assigns an initial encryption key that is retained by a server, for example a call manager (CM) server, and the gateway. The network entity in the IP central station that assigns the initial security key (e.g., encryption key) may be, but is not limited to, an authentication server. This authentication server may be interconnected to a central router in the IP central station. This initial encryption key may be used to establish a secure communication between two or more communication entities. Such entities might involve an originating point communication equipment (OPCE) and a terminating point communication equipment (TPCE), for example, the BRG (OPCE) and the CM (TPCE), the BRG (OPCE), BRG1, and another BRG (TPCE), BRG2, or the BRG and a gateway for interfacing with another communication system (e.g. VG). Whenever a user first activates a secure communication feature before or during a communication session, the origination point communication equipment (e.g., BRG1) may send the terminating point communication equipment (e.g., BRG2) a packet that includes a private key which may be the BRG's initial encryption key. Subsequently the two pieces of communication equipment will encrypt and decrypt communication packets to one another using the private key. A private key as used in the context of the present invention may be confidential to a user and the system or may be a private key as in the context of known private key/public key encryption systems known in the art. If the communication is between a gateway and, for example, the server that assigned the initial private key to the gateway, then the origination point communication equipment may begin encrypting communications with the terminating point communication equipment (in this case a server) without first sending the private key to the terminating point communication equipment. The secured encrypted packets may be part of one or more legs in, for example, a conference call, a teleconference, or a multimedia session.

In another variation of the present invention, the encryption key (including the initial encryption key) may be repeatedly updated and changed at various time intervals. The repeated updates may be at periodic (e.g., daily) or at random time intervals. Updates of the encryption key may occur when the secure call feature is active or inactive, so that a hacker that breaks an encryption key at any point in time will not have continuous communication security intrusion. For additional security the system may assign a unique randomly generated encryption key to each packet during the communication session and provide each new key to the communication equipment (e.g., BRG) in each prior information packet transmission.

In still another variation of the present invention, a secure call feature may be activated and deactivated by the user at anytime before or during (i.e., real time activation) an existing communication session (e.g., telephone call, data, video, and/or multimedia session). The customer premises equipment (e.g., the BRG) may have, for example, a “secure” button to allow the caller to activate the secure feature on calls or data sessions. The entire session (e.g., IP telephone call) or a portion thereof may be secured using encryption in response to the user pressing the “secure” button. If the user presses the “secure” button again the security encryption may turn off, so that only a portion of a communication session will be secure. Alternatively, the feature could be activated or deactivated by using a feature code input via a POTS phone set or a command entered using a PC.

In yet another variation of the present invention, the secure call feature may by used to secure one type of media using encryption while not securing other types of media in a multimedia communication session. A user may enter a secure session feature code which encrypts the data (or text) portion of a multimedia session while the voice portion is not encrypted. Thus, a user may send certain documents securely to one party while they are talking with the party and/or other parties at the same time. Alternatively, different media types, for example audio, text, and multimedia audio and video, may be secured at different levels of security using for example different encryption types or algorithms (e.g., DES, PGP, RSA, etc.).

In an even further variation of the present invention, a server, for example a call manager (CM) may coordinate a secure communication between two pieces of communication equipment by translating between two different encryption algorithms in two separate legs of a communication session (e.g., a telephone call). Alternatively, the server may send algorithms to a piece of communication equipment so that the various pieces of communication equipment are using the same algorithm. A dedicated server for handling secure transmissions may be coupled to a central router in the IP central station.

In another variation of the present invention, control of the secure communication may be transferred from, for example an originating gateway to a terminating gateway. In this case the encryption of a secure communication session may begin by using the originating gateway's key but then start using the terminating gateway's key.

Additional levels of security may be provided by utilizing further keys. For example, one additional private key may be a secret serial number, a manufacturer's assigned unique number, or a system assigned address for the BRG or PC. Further, the user may share a password with the intended recipient. If the private key assigned by a CM is used together with a secret serial number and a password, at least three levels of security are provided depending on the appropriately shared algorithm.

The on net communications, for example telephone calls, within the broadband communication system may be encrypted but the on net to off net communications for example telephone calls including a PSTN portion, may be partially encrypted. By using the “secure” feature confidential information can be protected from hackers while the information is transmitted through the communication network. However, any communication which includes a leg in another communications system, such as a PSTN, may only have encryption security while the communication packets propagates in the broadband communication system (e.g., IP network). Once the communication enters for example the PSTN, it has only that security provided by the traditional wireline PSTN. On the other hand, the voice gateway entry to the PSTN may coordinate with the terminating voice station to provide on or multiple levels of security.

Although the invention has been defined using the appended claims, these claims are exemplary and limiting to the extent that the invention is meant to include one or more elements from the apparatus and methods described herein and in the applications incorporated by reference in any combination or sub-combination. Accordingly, there are any number of alternative combinations for defining the invention, which incorporate one or more elements from the specification (including the drawings, claims, and applications incorporated by reference) in any combinations or sub-combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a broadband network (e.g., broadband IP based network) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a centralized control (IP central station) in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a local control apparatus (broadband residential gateway) in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the broadband network shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a typical on-network to off-network call according to one preferred method of operating the broadband network shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a typical on-network to on-network call according to one preferred method of operating the broadband network shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment for providing secured communications in a broadband communications system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a process flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for providing initializing the system for secured communications in a broadband communications system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a process flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of a method for providing for secured communications in a broadband communications system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of another preferred embodiment for providing secured communications in a broadband communications system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A manner of providing for secured communications in a broadband communication is provided. Communication information transmitted in the broadband communication system may be packetized and secured using encryption techniques, for example encryption software, including a means for providing an initial security key and updated security keys to the various pieces of communication equipment located throughout the broadband communication system. The security key may be updated by the system at various time intervals. The user may activate the security feature at any time before or during a communication. The use may also select the level of security used and the type of media to which security is to be applied.

A new system is provided for broadband access and applications such as the secured communications. Unless otherwise indicated by the appended claims, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described in this section but is applicable to other integrated multimedia communication systems.

I. Integrated Communication System Overview

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a broadband network 1. The broadband network generally provides interconnection between a plurality of customer locations utilizing various interconnection architectures including Internet Protocol (IP) based network, various existing systems (legacy systems) such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN), ATM networks, the Internet, signaling networks, as well as other systems. The broadband network provides versatile intelligent conduits that may carry, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) telephony or multimedia signals between the customer premises over, for example, the public switched telephone network, Internet, or wireless communication networks.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the broadband network 1 may include one or more customer premises equipment (CPE) units 102. The customer premise equipment 102 may be variously configured. In one example, the customer premise equipment 102 may include one or more local control devices such as a broadband residential gateway (BRG) 300. Although the broadband residential gateway is preferably disposed in a residence for many aspects of the invention, in exemplary embodiments, it may also be disposed in a business or other location. The broadband residential gateway 300 may be variously configured to provide one or more integrated communication interfaces to other devices within the customer premise equipment 102 such as televisions (TV), personal computers (PC), plain old telephone system (POTS) phone(s), video phones, IP enabled phones, and other devices. For example, the broadband residential gateway 300 may provide one or more telephone port connections (e.g., plain old telephone system), Ethernet connections, coaxial connections, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) connections, wireless local area network (LAN) connections, firewire connections, and/or other connections to a plurality of devices such as plain old telephones, IP based phones, television converters, e.g., cable television (CATV) set top devices, televisions, digital televisions, high definition televisions (HDTV), video phones, and other devices. In exemplary embodiments, the broadband residential gateway 300 may support communications between any of the aforementioned devices in intra-premises calling and/or extra-premises calling. Further, when the broadband residential gateway 300 is used in a business environment, it can function as a private branch exchange or key type telephone system.

In FIG. 1, broadband residential gateway 300 is illustrated as a single physical device. This configuration is appropriate where centralization of maintenance and control is desirable. Alternatively, the broadband residential gateway 300 may be separated into more than one physical device allowing functionality to be distributed to a plurality of different physical locations in the customer premise and/or broadband network 1. However, in many embodiments, having a centralized broadband residential gateway 300 located in a single location provides ease of maintenance, control, and re-configuration as well as a reduction in cost due to shared functionality. For example, the broadband residential gateway may be configured to provide the intelligence needed to allow each of the customer premises equipment devices to operate within the broadband network 1. For example, analog voice may be converted to digital data and packetized for transmission in an appropriate output protocol such as an Internet protocol (IP).

In exemplary embodiments, the broadband residential gateway 300 may function to couple devices within the customer premise equipment 102 to the rest of the broadband network 1 using any suitable broadband communication mechanism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the broadband residential gateway 300 utilizes a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 to couple the broadband residential gateway 300 to the rest of the broadband network 1. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may be preferred in many embodiments over other broadband communication mechanisms because of the large number of homes currently connected to cable networks, the capacity for shared access, and the ability for asymmetric data access speeds which allow high quantities of data to be distributed to the various devices in the customer premises equipment 112. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may include coaxial cable and/or optical fiber networks in any suitable combination. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may provide an intelligent broadband conduit between the broadband residential gateway 300 and a gateway such as the head-end hub (HEH) 115. The head-end hub 115 may be variously configured to provide various services and/or interconnections with the rest of the broadband network 1. For example, the head-end hub 115 may provide an interconnection point to gather and aggregate external services (e.g., off air and satellite video, public switched telephone network voice, multimedia messages, and Internet data) for distribution to and from the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. With respect to telephony and multimedia calls, the head-end hub 115 may function as intelligent conduit for connection and communication between the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 and external networks such as an IP network 120 and/or an ATM/frame relay/cell relay network 185.

The broadband network 1 may include any number of interconnected head-end hubs 115, IP networks 120, and/or ATM networks 185. Further, the IP network 120 and/or ATM network 185 may be connected to one or more other networks and devices such as:

-   -   (1) external networks including a public switched telephone         network (PSTN) 160, an signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170, an         Internet 180, and/or a wireless network 144;     -   (2) various components including one or more private branch         exchanges 146, terminals 142 including computers and wireless         devices, and/or one or more stand alone broadband residential         gateway 300;     -   (3) one or more administration centers 155;     -   (4) one or more secure network management data networks 190 such         as a network operations center (NOC);     -   (5) one or more billing systems 195 such as OSS; and/or     -   (6) one or more centralized control centers such as what is         referred to as an IP central station 200.

The IP network 120 and/or ATM network 185 may include one or more routers and/or other devices to route, for example, telephony calls, multimedia calls, signaling messages, administrative messages, programming messages and/or computer data between the various devices in the broadband network 1 such as the head-end hub 115, the public switched telephone network 160, the private branch exchange (PBX) 146, as well as the other devices discussed above. In preferred embodiments, the information traveling in the IP network 120 may be packetized and formatted in accordance with one of the Internet protocols. The IP network 120 may also include gateways to interface with the various other networks and/or devices. For example, the gateways may be distributed at the edge of the IP network where the IP network interfaces with one of the other devices or networks. Alternatively, the gateways interfacing the IP central station 200 to, for example, the Internet 180, public switched telephone network (PSTN) 160, signaling system 7 (SS7) 170, wireless networks 144, ATM/frame/cell relay networks 185 may be provided in the IP central station 200, or in both the IP network 120 and the IP central station 200, and/or partially distributed between the IP network 120 and the IP central station 200. Where the gateways are separated by an IP network 200, an appropriate transport protocol may be utilized to logically connect the IP central station 200 to the particular gateway.

The IP central station(s) 200 may be connected to, for example, one or more IP networks 120, ATM networks 185, secure management data networks 190, and/or administration centers 155. The IP central station 200 may be variously configured to include one or more servers and/or one or more gateways. In exemplary embodiments, the servers and gateways provide the necessary intelligence and traffic management capabilities to enable information, e.g., IP telephony signals, to travel through the broadband network 1. For example, the IP central station 200 may be configured to manage voice information transfer from the public switched telephone network 160, through the IP network 120, and into and out of one or more devices such as those connected to a broadband residential gateway 300. The IP central station may be configured to store various control and system information such as location, address, and/or configurations of one or more broadband residential gateways 300, as well as other routing and call set-up information.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more administration centers 155 may be connected to the IP network 120 and provide billing and local directory number portability administration. The local number portability may be handled by one or more Local Service. Management System (LSMS) which may be included in the administration center 155 and/or in the IP central station 200. Further, the Secure Management Data Network 190 may also include a mechanism for transferring various information such as billing, call tracking, and/or customer service provisioning. Various existing systems may be utilized to provide this information such as existing billing systems (OSS) 195 and/or one or more network operations center (NOC). The network operations centers may be included in the administration center 155, the IP central station 200, and/or the billing system 195. The network operations center (NOC) may be variously configured to include a translation server to allow communications with the various disparate entities (e.g., legacy systems) in the broadband network 1.

The IP network 120 and/or the ATM network 185 illustrated in FIG. 1 may include one or a plurality of sub-networks. Each of the sub-networks may include its own IP central station 200 in a distributed configuration, with certain routing data replicated across all IP central stations or each sub-network may be connected to a single centralized IP central station 200. Where the IP network 120 includes one or more sub-networks, each sub-network may be connected to multiple head-end hubs 115. Further, each head-end hub 115 may be connected to multiple hybrid fiber-coaxial plants 112, and each hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may be connected to multiple pieces of customer premises equipment 102 and/or broadband residential gateways 300. The IP network 120 provides an interconnected broadband network which may be utilized to transport and route packetized information to and from diverse geographic locations and may be used on a national or international basis. Further, the IP network 120 and/or ATM network 185 may utilize private network facilities and/or may be provisioned over a shared network such as the Internet.

The IP central station 200 may be configured to provide connectivity for the broadband residential gateway 300 to the Internet 180 (e.g., World Wide Web (www)), as well as connectivity to other external networks such as public switched telephone network 160 and signaling system 7 (SS7) 170 for end-to-end voice, multimedia, and data applications, for example voice over IP telephony. IP packets traveling through the IP network provide for priority so that, for example, voice packets are given priority over data packets to maintain certain VoIP telephony QoS requirements and a leased line concept for packet traffic which may have an even higher priority. However, the system is sufficiently flexible so that the priority can be dynamically altered according to customer preferences, variable billing rates, traffic patterns, and/or congestion.

A. Internet Protocol Central Station

Referring to FIG. 2, the IP central station 200 may be variously configured. In preferred embodiments, it may be configured to ensure seamless integration of IP based communication system including the IP network 120 with the public switched telephone network 160, signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170, and the Internet 180 so that packetized data, for example, voice calls and information data, is properly transferred between the broadband residential gateway 300, the public switched telephone network 160 and/or the Internet 180. In one embodiment, the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112, head-end hub 115, and IP network 120, provide a virtual signaling conduit for packetized voice and data which may, with the coordination of the IP central station 200, be provided in the appropriate format between the broadband residential gateway 300 and the public switched telephone network 160 and/or Internet 180.

Again referring now to FIG. 2, the IP central station 200 may include a central router 200, for example, a gigabit switch, which may be utilized to interconnect various servers and gateways contained in the IP central station 200. The central router 210 provides for example Ethernet switching and aggregate traffic between servers, gateways and the IP network 120 and/or ATM network 185 backbone. In one exemplary embodiment, the central router 210 provides high-speed, non-blocking IP and IP multicast Layer 3 switching and routing. The IP central station 200 may include one or more of the following servers: the least cost server (LCS) 255, the time of day (TOD) server 212, the dynamic host control protocol (DHCP) server, the trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) server, and the domain name service (DNS) server 214, the system management (SM) server 216, the call manager (CM) server 218, the announcement server (AS) 220, the multimedia server (MS) 222, and/or the conference server (CS) 224. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the servers may be separate servers, for example the call manager server 218, or may be incorporated into a single server. In the exemplary embodiment, the dynamic host control protocol server 131; trivial file transfer protocol server 132, and the domain name service server 214 are each incorporated in a single server facility. Each server in the IP central station 200 may include computer(s), storage device(s), and specialized software for implementing particular predefined functions associated with each server. In this manner, the servers in the IP central station may be provisioned as a main server and one or more back-up servers to provide redundant processing capabilities. Similarly, the router may be implemented as a main router and a back-up router with similar routing functionality.

The IP central station 200 may also include, for example, one or more of the following gateways: a element management gateway (EMG) 238, an accounting gateway (AG) 240, an Internet (Boarder) gateway (IG) 236, a signaling system 7 (SS7)) gateway (SG) 234, a voice gateway (VG) 232, and/or a multimedia gateway (MG) 230. The IP central station 200 may utilize one or more of these gateways to provide centralized system intelligence and control of voice and/or data IP packets.

In exemplary embodiments, the dynamic host control protocol server 131 and domain name service server 214 may operate to dynamically assign IP addresses devices in the customer premise equipment 102. Where a dynamic IP assignment scheme is used, the customer premises equipment may be provided with one or a plurality of dynamic IP assignment when activated initially, and/or at the initiation of each active secession. Where an IP address is assigned when the device is initially activated, it may be desirable to assign a single IP address to a single broadband residential gateway and assign a port address to devices connected to the broadband residential gateway 300. In other embodiments, an individual IP address may be assigned to each device coupled to the broadband residential gateway 300. For example, the broadband residential gateway may include and/or be coupled to one or more cable modems, IP phones, plain old telephone system phones, computers, wireless devices, CATV converters, video phones, and/or other devices which each may be assigned a unique static and/or dynamic IP address and/or a port of a one of these IP addresses. The particular protocol for allocating IP addresses and/or ports may be specified using protocols defined in the dynamic host control protocol server 214. In exemplary embodiments, the dynamic host control protocol server 131 and DN server 214 may be configured to assign available IP addresses from address pools based, for example, on the identity or type of requesting device, the amount of use expected for the requesting device, and/or predefined assignment protocols defined in the dynamic host control protocol server 131 and DN server 214. In centralized embodiments, it may be desirable to configure the call manager (CM) 218 to provide sufficient information such that the domain name service server 214 can distinguish between static IP devices, dynamic IP devices, registered devices, unregistered devices, and registered devices that have been assigned to a particular class of service e.g., data vs. telephony, un-provisioned, vs. provisioned, etc.

The trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) server 132 may be configured to transfer certain information to/from one or more broadband residential gateways 300. In exemplary embodiments, the trivial file transfer protocol server 132 provides Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) configuration information containing QoS parameters and other information required for the broadband residential gateway 300 to operate optimally.

The time-of-day (TOD) server 212 may include a suitable facility for maintaining a real time clock such as an RFC 868-compliant time server. In exemplary embodiments, the time-of-day server 212 provides system messages and/or responses to system inquiries containing a coordinated time, e.g., universal coordinated time (UCT). The universal coordinated time may be used by any of the servers and/or devices in the broadband network 1. For example, the broadband residential gateway 300 may use the universal coordinated time to calculate the local time for time-stamping error logs.

The system management (SM) server 216 may include responsibility for the overall operational state and functioning of components the broadband network 1, either alone, or in combination with other system management servers 216. The system management (SM) server 216 may be variously configured to provide monitoring and administrative functions for devices within the broadband network 1. For example, the system management server 216 may be configured to provide management of various database functions, memory buffer functions, and software utility functions within the broadband network 1. Software management includes, for example, version control, generic control, and/or module control.

The least cost server (LCS) 255 may be variously configured to enable the system to determine the least cost routing of telephone and data transmission throughout the network. The least cost server 255 may also provide one or more broadband residential gateway users capability to select between, for example, cost and Quality of Service (QoS).

The announcement service (AS) server 220 may be variously configured. In exemplary embodiments, it may store and send announcements to specified destinations and/or all destinations based on instructions received by, for example, the call manager (CM) server 218. The announcement server 220 receives, for example, Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) or later signaling (e.g., HGCP—an ITU standard Gateway Control Protocol) control messages from the call manager 218, and sends announcements to one or more voice gateways (VG) 232 and/or the one or more broadband residential gateway 300 (e.g., using Real Time Protocol (RTP) packets). The announcement server 220 may send an announcement once, a predetermined number of times; or in a continuous loop. The announcement server 220 may detect when a phone or other device has been taken off-hook and play an advertisement or other announcement to the user. Where a user has signed-up for an advertising plan whereby phone rates are reduced in return for advertising revenue generated by the advertisements, the announcement server 220 may be utilized to track the number of individuals with a particular income, age, or other profile which hear the advertisement. The announcement server 220 may respond to requests from individual system devices such as one of the broadband residential gateways 300 and/or under control of, for example, the call manager 218. Where the announcement server is under control of the call manager 218, the call manager may be configured to control various operating parameters of the announcement server. For example, the call manager 218 may request that certain announcements are sent once, a specified number of times, or in a continuous loop.

In still further embodiments, announcements may be generated elsewhere in the broadband network 1, stored as files, and distributed to one or more announcement servers via a file transfer protocol or resource such as the trivial file server 214 using one or more file transfer protocols. In many embodiments, it is desirable to store announcements in an appropriate encoding format (e.g., G.711 or G.729) within the Announcement Server. The announcement may have an audio component and/or a audio/video component. The audio/video component may be stored using a combination of an encoding format (e.g., G.711) and/or a standard file format such as wave (WAV), MPEG, and other suitable formats.

In one exemplary method of operation, a user picks up a telephone which sends a signal to the call manager 218. Subsequently, the call manager 218 may established a connection to the announcement server 220 and play one or more pre-recorded and/or predetermined announcement (hypertext and/or audio). Signaling tones such as a busy signal may be played by the broadband residential gateway 300 or the call manager 218, but Special Information Tones (SIT) and/or messages may also be included as part of an announcement file. In this way, the user experience is enhanced such that the user receives a busy message and/or hypertext announcement providing one of several options for contacting the called party. The announcement server 220 may have information entered by a user using, for example, a broadband residential gateway to provide additional information to the called party. The additional information may include the ability to leave a message, type-in a chat note, page the called party, barge-in on the call, and/or other user or system defined call handling capabilities.

The announcement server 220 may also be programmed with various system messages such as an announcement indicating that a number dialed is incorrect or that the call did not go through as dialed, that the lines are busy, that all lines between two countries are currently busy, that the called party has changed numbers, that the called parties phone has been disconnected, that one or more system errors have occurred, and/or other announcement messages.

The call manager (CM) 218 may be variously configured. In exemplary embodiments, the call manager 218 provides a centralized call control center for supporting call set-up and tear-down in the broadband network 1. The call manager 218 may be configured to include trunk and line information maintenance, call state maintenance for the duration of a call, and/or user service features execution. The call manager 218 may also provide for call processing functions such as a standardized call model for processing the various voice connections such as voice over IP calls. In exemplary embodiments, a standardized “open” call model may be utilized which supports standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) to provide transport services and other user functions such as calling cards. An open application programming interface and call set-up interface in the call manager will enable third party applications to be loaded into the call manager 218 and broadband residential gateway 300. This will facilitate the development of third party applications for enhancing the functionality of components in the broadband network 1. For example, third parties and other equipment vendors may manufacture various broadband residential gateways 300 for use in the broadband network 1 by writing applications to support the open call model of the call manager 218. The call manager 218 and/or broadband residential gateway 300 may also be configured to execute and/or accept commands form a standardized scripting language which may generate instructions for the call manager 218 and/or broadband residential gateway 300 to execute various functions. The scripting functionality may include the ability to execute an entire call model including interfaces to the signaling system 7 (SS7) 170, public switched telephone network 160, IP network 120, ATM/frame/cell relay network 185, and/or other functions within, for example, IP central station 200 such as the multimedia server 222, announcement server 220, system management server 216, conference server 224, time of day server 212, least cost server 255, and/or domain name server 214.

The call manager 218 may also be configured to maintain the call states for each call it handles (e.g., a voice over IP call) and respond to system events created by, for example, the multimedia gateway control protocol (MGCP) messages and/or integrated services digital network user part (ISUP) messages for signaling system 7 (SS7) protocol that may occur during the processing of a call. Exemplary events handled by the call manager 218 include call state changes, call feature changes/call feature triggering events, changes in the status of lines and trunks, and/or error conditions. Further, the call manager 218 may interact with devices connected to a single circuit on the public switched telephone network 160 and/or a device connected to a port of the broadband residential gateway 300. In this manner, new devices may be added to the infrastructure and operate using the open call model contained in the call manager 218.

The call manager 218 may also include storage for subscriber and network configuration, a cache server for faster access to frequently used data, a routing engine for selecting an appropriate routing algorithm (e.g., least cost routing), and/or a service broker which provides the data and logic for specific services. In addition, the call manager 218 may include an authentication (AC) server 245 that provides authentication of various devices, objects, packets and users in the integrated multimedia system. In this manner, a user may verify the identity of the calling or called party.

The call manager 218 may interact with the signaling gateway (SG) 234, the accounting gateway (AG) 240, the element management gateway (EMG) 238, the voice gateway (VG) 232, and the multimedia gateway (MG) 230 using any suitable protocol such as IP and an interconnection mechanism such as the central router 210. In one preferred embodiment, the call manager 218 may be configured to utilize signaling messages such as: a) ISUP messages over Common Object Broker Architecture (COBRA) interface to and/or from signaling gateway 234, b) MGCP, SIP—simple internet protocol, H.GCP, and/or other suitable control messages to and/or from the announcement server 220, c) call event records in modified Radius format to the accounting gateway 240, d) Radius (or Enhanced Radius or compatible protocol) control messages to and/or from the voice gateway 232 and/or the broadband residential gateways 300, and e) signaling network management protocol (SNMP) messages to and/or from the element management gateway 238.

The call manager 218 may incorporate one or more databases. For example, the call manager 218 may include database information such as (1) a' resources database that provides an identification of what resources are connected to the broadband network 1 and their current state; (2) a trunk/gateway database that indicates which gateway serves what circuits in a trunk; (3) a customer database which indicates whether a call is authorized, identifies what services a line supports and determines whether a telephone number is on or off the integrated IP communication network; (4) a numbering plan/least cost routing database which provides routing information that enables the IP central station 200 to choose the correct trunk as a function of the call number; and (5) a local number portability (LNP) database that indicates the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and associated prefixes which are open for association with the number portability service; and (6) an address of the service control point (SCP) towards which requests for translating these local portability numbers should be routed.

In exemplary embodiments, the broadband network 1 includes equipment compatible with the COBRA standard. COBRA may be utilized to allow applications from a plurality of vendors to operate with each other. The COBRA standard allows a company, such as AT&T, to build its network using multi-vendor equipment and yet ensure seamless integration and operation. Some of the major areas covered by COBRA v. 2.2 includes: Inter-ORB Bridge Support, General Inter-ORB Protocol (GIOP) support, Internet Inter-ORB Protocol (HOP) support, and Environment Specific Inter-ORB Protocol (ESIOP) support. The call manager 218 may integrate these protocols to facilitate call set-up with diverse equipment. This is advantageous in that equipment from a plurality of vendors may inter-operate over the broadband network 1 without modification.

The multimedia server (MS) 222 may be variously configured. For example, one or more multimedia servers may provide support for multimedia messaging service and/or the overall management of multimedia voice and mail messages transmitted across the broadband network 1. The multimedia server may be configured to support e-mail (e.g., html) messages, voice mail (audio) messages, and/or video mail (audio and video) messages. The multimedia messages may include standard pre-configured system messages, advertising messages, and/or user defined messages. In either event, where the messages are stored in a centralized location, the multimedia server may provide such storage. Where the multimedia server 222 provides storage for the multimedia messages, a database may be utilized for indexing, storage, and retrieval of such messages. In exemplary systems, the user may access predetermined ones of these messages. The multimedia server 222 may utilize IP as a method of communicating with other devices across the broadband network 1.

The conference server (CS) 224 may be configured to provide for multiparty conference calls using, for example, IP voice packets during an IP telephony or multimedia session call. The conference server 224 may include specialized software that runs on a computing platform having associated multiplexing and demultiplexing capability for segregating and aggregating user information packets. For example, the conference server may log several calls into a conference session. When information packets are sent from one or more phones, they are aggregated and sent to the other phones on the conference call. The conference server 224 may use any suitable communication protocol such as H.GCP or SIP. The conference server 224 may function to aggregate user information from two or more users onto a single call path. The conference server 224 may include one or more “call-in numbers” and be controlled from any location, e.g., a centralized operator location and/or one or more broadband residential gateways 300. It may be desirable to have the conference server 224 configured such that some callers simply monitor the call without voice interruption while other callers have both voice transmit and receive capabilities. Where a caller is not given the privileges associated with active participation in the call, voice packets from these users are discarded. For example, a CEO may have a conference call with a plurality of financial advisors and invite the press to listen on the call without interruption capabilities.

The gateways in the IP central station 200 may be configured to provide translation of signals to and/or from the various servers in the IP central station 200, the IP network 120, the public switched telephone network 160, the signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170, the Internet 180, and/or the secured management data (SMD) network 190. The gateways typically support one or more of the following group of functions: call processing; signaling system 7 (SS7) connectivity; billing support; OAM&P support; connection to public switched telephone network; control CoS/QoS parameters; and enhanced services.

The voice gateway (VG) 232 may be connected to the public switched telephone network 160 and operate to convert between IP based voice packets and standard public switched telephone network 160 voice traffic. Voice gateway 232 may be configured as multi-frequency (MF) or ISUP gateways on a per-T1 basis. Where multi-frequency (MF) trunks are used, one embodiment utilizes signaling between the call manager 218 and the voice gateway 232 using MGCP, SIP, H.GCP and/or other compatible protocol. Multi-frequency trunks may be compatible with Feature Group D (FGD), Operator Service (OS) Signaling protocol and/or Termination Protocol (TP).

The IP central station 200 may be variously connected to the public switched telephone network. For example, the IP central station 200 may be connected directly to the public switched telephone network using, for example a bearer channel (e.g., a T1 or T3 carrier) and/or interconnected using one or more networks such as an IP network and/or ATM/frame/cell relay network 185. Where a T1 network is utilized, it may be desirable to utilize one or more of ISUP or MF, FGD, and OS to interconnect a service bureau in the public switched telephone network 160. Alternatively, the service bureau in the public switched telephone network 160 may be interconnected using an alternative network arrangement such as an IP network 120 and/or a ATM/frame/cell relay network 185. The service bureau may coordinate with the IP central station 200 in providing operator services, directory services and provisioning for 311, 611, and 711 services. Emergency 911 services may be routed to an E911 tandem switch that has the appropriate databases and interfaces with a Public Safety Answering Position (PSAP). Emergency 911 services may be coordinated by the call manager 218 and/or public switched telephone network based service bureau.

Voice gateway 232 may be router-based and include one or more voice feature cards and/or DSP Module cards to perform voice processing. The voice gateway 232 may optionally include host processors; LAN/WAN ports, Ethernet ports, T1 or E1 telephony interface cards, Voice Feature Cards with DSP. Modules providing voice compression transcoding (G.711 and G.729), carrier-quality echo cancellation with 8 ms-32 ms tail length, a de jitter buffer which adapts to delay variations in the network in order to minimize the delay, packet loss concealment that generates concealment frames for lost packets using information from previously received data, and/or tone detection and generation. This function detects Multi-Frequency (MF) tones and generates MF and call processing tones (e.g. dial tone, call-waiting tone etc.).

In exemplary embodiments, the voice gateway 232 may include T1/E1 interfaces with internal Channel Service Units (CSUs). It may also be desirable to configure the voice gateway 232 such that ISUP, MF and Centralized Attendant Services (CAS) trunks are supported with a configuration done on a per T1 basis. Additionally, multi-frequency tones and Centralized Attendant Services may utilize a “robbed bits” communication scheme where bits are “robbed” from sub-frames to transmit in-band signaling. The multi-frequency tones may be converted to and/or from, for example, simple gateway control protocol (SGCP) signal requests and events by the voice gateway 232. For example, multi-frequency tones and/or lower level signaling and timing functions may be translated to and/or from any of the following indications: simple gateway control protocol Notify functions, simple gateway control protocol Notification Requests, Connection requests, Modify Connection requests, off-hook and/or on-hook indications.

An Ethernet interface with a RJ-45 connector may be used to connect the voice gateway 232 to the central router 210 (e.g., Gigabit Switch or High Speed Router (HSR)). The multimedia gateway control protocol may be used as the interface between the voice gateway 232 and the call manager 218. For example, call control, signaling, and multimedia data stream, real time protocol (RTP) connections, IP addresses, UDP ports, codec choice etc, may be configured in any suitable manner such as by using a multimedia gateway control protocol. In exemplary embodiments, audio streams may be passed directly between customer premises equipment 102 using real time protocol connections over, for example, a user datagram protocol (UDP). Thus, the multimedia gateway control protocol may be utilized to request the voice gateway 232 to initiate, cancel, and/or otherwise modify connections in order to set up and tear down RTP media streams. A similar procedure may also be utilized to request continuity tests and results.

In exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to adapt the IP network to carry signaling system 7 (SS7) Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) messages over the IP network 120 and/or the ATM/frame/cell relay network 185. The transport of signaling system 7 (SS7) transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) messages over the packet networks allows signaling operations to be supported by multiple connections to the same host, multiple host connections, and distributed processing of call set-up information using, for example, multiple call managers 218 in the broadband network 1. Thus, the IP network 120 and/or ATM/frame/cell relay network may be utilized to interconnect a plurality of ESS switches to transport signaling information, voice, and/or data. In embodiments where the signaling gateway (SG) 234 is configured to support signaling system 7 (SS7) signaling transport using transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) messages, it may be desirable to include a translator for converting between multimedia gateway control protocol (MGCP) messages and transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) messages and/or ISDN User Part (ISUP) messages.

The point where ISUP and TCAP messages are terminated at a signaling system 7 (SS7) signaling gateway is defined as a Service Switching Point (SSP) to the signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170. The call manager 218 may be configured with a standardized Application Programming Interface (API) to allow interaction with the signaling system 7 (SS7) by, for example, sending and/or receiving ISUP and TCAP messages from a service switching point (SSP). Full class 5 signaling system 7 (SS7) functionality may be included in the call manager 218 including the ability to provide all of the information necessary for billing as defined in the GR-246-Bellcore standard. The signaling gateway 234 may be arranged to perform: signaling system 7 (SS7) message handling (message discrimination, message distribution, and message routing); signaling link management. (e.g., link activation, deactivation); signaling route management (managing Point Code [PC] route status based on route received management messages such as Transfer Prohibited, Transfer Allowed, Transfer Restricted, etc.); and signaling traffic management (diversion of traffic based on unavailability, availability, restriction of signaling link, route, and Point Code.) The signaling system 7 (SS7) architecture supports the necessary redundancy component scheme for system reliability and availability during scheduled maintenance and/or software/hardware upgrades. The signaling gateway 234 may be configured to directly provide for lower level signaling system 7 (SS7) processing.

In exemplary embodiments, the signaling gateway 234 interacts with the call manager 218 using an appropriate open interface (e.g., Common Object Request Broker Architecture (COBRA)). In these embodiments, it may be desirable for translation software in the signaling gateway 234 to add Message Transfer Part (MTP) layer information to the ISUP and/or TCAP data to create a complete signaling system 7 (SS7) message. The complete signaling system 7 message may then be sent to the Signaling Transfer Point (STP) in the external signaling system 7 (SS7) network 170. Conversely, the signaling gateway 234 may be configured to remove ISUP or TCAP application layer data from the signaling system 7 (SS7) messages received from the STP prior to converting the information to an appropriate open interface (e.g., COBRA) and forwarding the information to the call manager 218 via the central router 210.

The accounting gateway (AG) 240 may be configured to receive messages representing events from the call manager 218 via a suitable transport mechanism such as the central router 210. Typically, two messages are received for each call, the first when the call is established, and second when the call terminates. In the case of unsuccessful calls, only the failure message will be logged. The messages provide details about the calling and called parties, the timing of the call set-up, the duration and the quality of the call. Accounting gateway 240 may be duplicated using a redundant computer, with each gateway having dual-mirrored disks. The accounting gateway 240 stores usage records and may then distribute them to linked destinations (e.g., billing centers) for processing. Billing centers typically include bill processors that receive accounting information from the accounting gateway 240 and generate appropriate on-line or paper billing to customers. The accounting gateway may be configured to accommodate multiple days worth of accounting records such as the records for one day, two days, three days, four days, a week, or a month. The period in which the data is retained in the accounting gateway may be dependent on business needs, hardware restrictions, and/or the billing cycle. For example, as the end of the billing cycle nears, it may be desirable to shorten the period the accounting gateway holds the data such that calls placed the day the bills are printed are included on the bills. Further, the accounting gateway may both retain and forward data to the billing centers. In this manner, if the equipment at the billing center fails, the accounting gateway 240 may serve as a backup. Similarly, the billing center may act as a backup where the accounting gateway 240 fails.

An Automatic Message Accounting (AMA) format is typically used by circuit-switching systems, packet-switching systems, and other network elements to provide billing usage measurements data (e.g., the Bellcore® Automatic Message Accounting Format (BAF)). This data may be utilized either to permit charging the customer for use of network resources or to permit charging other carriers (e.g., InterExchange Carrier (IEC) and other Local Exchange Carrier (LEC)) for assistance in placing call connections. The accounting gateway 240 may be configured to convert this information into an Automatic Message Accounting Format (AMA) Format (e.g., BAF) records and send these records to the external billing systems using, for example, a TFTP (trivial file transfer protocol). Time-stamp accuracy is typically based on the accuracy of the call manager 218 clock which may be derived from the TOD 212 server. To create appropriate AMA records, the event information produced by the call manager 218 preferably has appropriate information for the telephone service specified such as phone number of the calling party (customer), phone number of the called party (customer), time of call, duration of the phone call, and use of any discretionary features. Different AMA structures may be generated between On-Net calls (defined as within a network service provider IP network 120) vs. Off-Net calls (defined as outside of service provider IP network—e.g. public switched telephone network) for billing purposes.

The element management gateway (EMG) 238 may provide system management functionality that includes, for example: a) status and performance monitoring for the Operation Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning center, to gauge the ongoing operation of applications; b) extensive information exchange with a network operations center responsible for ongoing maintenance of one or more applications; c) customizable operations interface to allow the network operations center to view only information required, thus reducing the time spent filtering information; d) centralize distributed application configuration allowing for the centralized configuration of objects residing on a plurality machines; e) proactive network management capabilities to remove the need for constant operator intervention making the day-to-day operations more efficient; and/or f) intelligent display of status information to separate critical issues from low-priority problems allowing the operation center to assign resources to the right problems at the right time.

The multimedia gateway (MG) 230 may be configured to connect to the public switched telephone network 160 and to convert IP based multimedia packets into standard public switched telephone network 160 traffic. The multimedia gateway 230 may include an intelligent trunking interface that communicates with the call manager 218 for automatic trunk sizing and allocation between the IP network 120 and the public switched telephone network 160. For example, when an system user at the customer premises is using a PC and/or a multimedia phone to communicate with a traditional public switched telephone network 160 user, the communication session involves the transmission of video and audio data. The bandwidth that is required for this type of communication is much greater than that required for a PSTN-to-PSTN voice call or an IP-to-PSTN voice call. The multimedia gateway 230, as the interface between two systems, may negotiate a larger bandwidth to facilitate the call if the called party is also video enabled. This bandwidth negotiation process typically occurs with a 5ESS or a Local Digital Switch within the public switched telephone network 160. Typically, a multimedia call, including live video, audio and data, will require bandwidth ranging from 56K to 1.544 Mbps. However, as the number of users sharing the same link grows, the quality of the transmission deteriorates significantly. The multimedia gateway 230 must be able to monitor bandwidth usage and make appropriate adjustments so as to maintain an acceptable quality of service. Further, it may be desirable for the call manager 218 and the multimedia gateway 230 to communicate between themselves and/or the customer premises equipment 102 to determine whether the user has authorized the additional bandwidth and hence expense of the call. For example, even where a called and/or calling party is video enabled, it may nonetheless refuse to authorize payment for the increased bandwidth necessary for video.

The Internet gateway (IG) 236 may be connected to the Internet (e.g., World Wide Web (www)) and provide a means for IP based data packets to be routed between the IP network 120 and the Internet 180. Alternatively, IP based voice packets may be routed via the Internet 180. In exemplary embodiments, the Internet gateway 236 routes data-only packets which share the same priority level with other lower priority, non-real-time traffic consistent with computer data communications presently experienced with the Internet 180. Consequently, low priority and low latency data traffic on the IP network 120 utilize the Internet gateway 236 to communicate with other IP data networks such as the www. Voice packets may be routed through another network such as the ATM/frame/cell relay network 185, a private IP network 120, and/or the public switched telephone network 160 where committed information rates may be easily obtained.

In exemplary embodiments, the broadband network 1 includes the interfaces which enable connections to existing Operation, Maintenance and Provisioning (OAM&P) 195 systems that support, billing, accounting, provisioning and/or configuration management functions. A Secured Management Data (SMD) Network 190 may be utilized to connect the OAM&P 195 to the accounting gateway 240 and element management gateway 238. The Secure Management Data network 190 may include a Network Service Division's NSD Net. The Secure Management Data network 190 helps ensure that only secure communication can occur between the IP central station 200 and the OAM&P 195. This eliminates one potential means of tampering with the billing and provisioning functions in the OAM&P. The billing systems (OSS) 195 may include the Network Operations Center (NOC). The NOC may include a translation server which includes functions for allowing communications and control of diverse networks.

B. Broadband Residential Gateway (BRG)

Referring to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment for a broadband residential gateway (BRG) 300 will now be described and explained. The broadband residential gateway 300 may be configured as the interface unit between the remainder of the customer premise equipment 102 devices and the external network. The broadband residential gateway 300 may be connected to the remainder of the broadband network 1 using any suitable mechanism such as a gateway directly into an IP network and/or a cable connection. In the most preferred embodiments, a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant connection is utilized such as hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) plant 112. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 allows numerous broadband residential gateways 300 to be included on an existing hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 without modification to the plants infrastructure.

The broadband residential gateway 300 may be variously configured to, for example, provide high-speed cable modem capabilities to interconnect one or more associated PCs with each other and with the remainder of the broadband network 1, provide functionality to one or more TVs (using, for example, either an integrated or separate decoder functionality, e.g., set top box 350), one or more telephone connections such as plain old telephone service (POTS) phones and/or digital telephones, displays, wireless interfaces, voice processing, remote control interface, display interface, and/or administrative functions. In exemplary embodiments, the broadband residential gateway 300 may a) providing conversion between analog voice and IP voice packets, b) multiplexing/demultiplexing streams of IP voice packets, c) supporting multiplexing/demultiplexing of multiple incoming and outgoing signals including multiple voice, multimedia, data, system administration, and/or TV information signals.

Where the elements of the broadband residential gateway 300 are interconnected, the interconnection may be provided by one or more data buses, for example, a high speed bus (HSB) 360, processor bus 380, and/or other interconnection system. The high speed bus 360 may be configured to provide a flexible conduit for transferring information between the internal hardware, processors and ports. In exemplary embodiments of the broadband residential gateway 300, the high speed bus 360 may include one or more of the following functional units a) a universal remote control receiver module 365 for receiving wireless (e.g., infrared, and/or RF) signals (e.g., keyboard signals and/or remote control signals) for control of the broadband residential gateway 300 and/or any connected devices, b) a display, display driver, touch screen logic module for driving one or more local and/or remote displays for interfacing with the broadband residential gateway 300 and/or one or more connected devices, c) one or more TV port modules 336 for interconnecting televisions, set-top devices, and/or other audiovisual devices to the broadband residential gateway 300, d) one or more data port modules 334 for connecting/interconnecting data enabled devices (e.g., personal computers, palm top devices, etc.), e) one or more telephony port modules 332 for interconnecting one or more analog and/or digital telephones, f) one or more peripheral port modules 342 for interconnecting one or more peripheral devices such as disk drives, data storage devices, video cassette recorders, DVD devices, audio devices, video devices (e.g., camcorders, digital cameras, digital video recorders, stereos, etc.), g) one or more external/internal intercom modules 344 for interconnecting remote intercom and/or security monitoring devices, h) one or more wireless interface modules 345 for interconnecting with various wireless extension devices such as wireless TVs, cordless and/or wireless telephones, wireless LANs, etc., i) one or more voice recognition/voice synthesis modules 355 for generating voice announcements, voice messages, and voice prompts and for recognizing voice generated commands and data, j) set-top box module 350 for performing the functions associated with a set-top box locally and/or for communicating with one or more remotely coupled set-top boxes, k) memory 322 (e.g., DRAM, RAM, flash, and/or other memory) for storing information and operating data within the broadband residential gateway 300, 1) transceiver 302 for communicating with one or more external broadband networks m) operating program store 330 (e.g., ROM, flash, etc.) for storing at least portions of the operating programs for the broadband residential gateway 300 and/or interconnected devices, n) security processor, smart card and/or credit card interface module 340 for providing secure processing functions and/or credit card/smart card transaction functions, and/or o) distributed processing controller 306 which may be a microprocessor and/or one or more interconnected distributed processing modules for controlling the broadband residential gateway 300. Where the distributed processing controller 306 includes one or more distributed processing modules, the modules may include a telephony processing module (P1) 308, data processing module (P23) 310, video processing module (P3) 312, auxiliary processing module (P4) 314, IP processing module (P5) 316, and/or an operations administration maintenance and provisioning processing module (P6) 318 interconnected through one or more busses such as processor bus 380. The processor bus 380 and/or high speed bus 360 may include any suitable interconnect bus including intelligent bus configurations incorporating smart buffer logic (not shown in FIG. 3) to facilitate data transfer between interconnected processors and/or modules. The various modules and/or processing components of the broadband residential gateway 300 may be powered by for example, a power supply unit (not shown). Each of the individual modules of the broadband residential gateway will now be described in more detail.

The transceiver 302 may include circuits for converting digital signals to and from RF signals suitable for transmission across a broadband network such as the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. The transceiver 302 may include one or more input/output ports such as a cable interface (e.g., an F connector cable connection) and/or a fiber optic interface connected to a communication media (e.g., hybrid fiber-coaxial Plant 112). The transceiver 302 may be compatible with the DOCSIS 1.0 or later specifications. For signaling purposes, the broadband residential gateway 300 may be compatible with the Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) or other compatible signaling protocol (e.g., SIP or H.GCP) to support telephony applications. The transceiver 302 may serve as a modem, a translator and/or a multiplexer/demultiplexer. Data received from the network may be de-multiplexed and placed on the data bus for dispatch to the appropriate peripherals and/or ports. Data from the various ports and peripherals may be multiplexed together for distribution over one or more broadband networks (e.g., the hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) plant 112). Where a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 is utilized, the data may be multiplexed onto various frequency bands of the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 in a continuous data stream(s) and/or packetized data stream(s). To facilitate data transfer for various networks, the transceiver 302 may be include one or more registers for data queuing and/or IP tunneling of data packets across the broadband network.

Although the illustration of a display, display drivers, and touch screen logic device 338 suggests that the a display is integral to the broadband residential gateway 300, alternative embodiments of the broadband residential gateway 300 may provide a user interface via the TV screen, PC screen, video telephone, and/or other display device in addition to, or in lieu, of, a display integral to the broadband residential gateway 300.

The peripheral ports module 342 may include a plurality of ports providing connectivity to external peripherals. Exemplary interfaces include, PCI, Firewire, USB, DB25, etc. Devices which incorporate one or more of these interfaces may utilize the broadband residential gateway 300 to interconnect to the remainder of the broadband network 1.

The external/internal Intercom Module (IM) 344 may include one or more microphones/speakers, voice CODECs, telephony processors, and/or interface ports. Where an intercom module 344 is utilized, the built-in circuitry may be configured to detect, for example, unused plain old telephone system telephone(s) and generates a special intercom tone on these unused telephones. In this manner, existing plain old telephone system telephones, digital phones, and/or other devices may serve as an intercom throughout the residence. The controller 306 (e.g., such as the P1 telephony processor 308) may function to command the intercom module 344 to determine an appropriate intercom path to select an intercom connection between various locations. In exemplary embodiments, the CODEC may be configured to convert the analog voice signal into IP packets for transmission over one or more data ports 334, TV ports 336, display modules 338, telephony ports 332, peripheral ports 342, external/internal intercom ports 344, wireless interface ports 345, and/or set-top boxes 350.

In yet further embodiments, multiple broadband residential gateways 300 may be configured through, for example, IP tunneling, to set-up an intercom connection between multiple remote broadband residential gateways 300. In this manner, an administrative assistant at the office may be contacted via an intercom connection present at the users home. Thus, one or more individuals disposed at either local and/or remote locations with diverse types of equipment may communicate as an intercom group without the need to communicate via normal dialing procedures.

In addition to intercom services, the intercom module 344 may also configure intercom services for other telephony services (e.g., extension transfer, call conferencing, internal caller ID), high speed data services (e.g., LAN connections), facsimile transmission/reception, e-mail transmission/reception, video conferencing, and/or CATV/HDTV (Cable Television/High Definition Television) using standard industry protocols such as DOCSIS 1.0 or higher and IP tunneling transmissions. These services are advantageous in that once configured, the user may simulate a work environment in his home.

Though processing may be accomplished by a single processor performing all functions (e.g., processing controller 306), in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the architecture employs a distributed processing controller 306, and a plurality of processors P1-P6 308-318. In the distributed processing architecture, each of the plurality of processors P1-P6 may be configured to have a dedicated function to provide predetermined services or applications. The processors may be coupled together via any suitable mechanism such as the processor bus 380 and/or high speed bus (HSB) 360. The first processor P1 308 may include telephony applications such as call set-up, call tear down, and call functions; the second processor P2 310 may include management functions such as distribution and coordination of data within the various devices of the broadband residential gateway 300; the third processor P3 312 may include video processing functions for configuring control panels, screen displays of attached devices, video conference calls, MPEG decoding functions and other video processing functions; the fourth processor P4 314 may include an auxiliary processor for off loading special processing functions such as numeric processing; the fifth processor P5 316 may include interface input/output processing (e.g., text to voice and vise versa) and/or Internet protocol (IP) processing functions for configuring data to communicate with the remainder of the broadband network 1 and/or devices attached to the broadband residential gateway 300 such as IP telephones or IP enable PCs; and the sixth processor P6 318 may include processing functions for Operation, Maintenance and Provisioning (OAM&P) processing. Each of the above processors may be an entirely separate processing unit with included RAM, ROM, Flash memory, or may share RAM, ROM, and/or Flash memory. Where shared RAM, ROM, and/or Flash memory is utilized, the memory may be located within the distributed processor controller 306 and/or on the processor bus 380. Alternatively, the memory may be integrated into the operating program store 330 and/or into memory 322.

The Distributed Processing Controller 306 with its associated processors (P1-P6) may be coupled to the various elements of the broadband residential gateway 300 so as to enable proper operation of each of the individual components. For example, the distributed processing controller 306 (with any associated processors (P1-P6)) may also coupled to the security processor, smart card/credit card, and interface module 340, the peripheral port(s) module 342, and/or the External/Internal Intercom Module 344 for providing control and coordination among devices coupled to the high speed bus 360.

The display 338 may include, for example, an interactive LED/LCD module positioned in a suitable location such as within or attached to the broadband residential gateway 300. The display 338 may include an interface to notify, display and receive user inputs and processing status. The display 338 may be configured to display various informational status such as multimedia mail, called ID, call logs, call in progress and associated information, call waiting information, call conferencing, and/or other call related information. The display 338 may provide a display of real time status of the various devices connected to the broadband residential gateway 300 as well as any current connections, calls, and/or data transfers. The display 338 may also include touch screen capabilities that allow information to be input via a plurality of interrelated on-screen prompts, on-screen icons, and/or a keypad (e.g., an alphanumeric keyboard). The keypad may be a remote control, numeric keyboard, and/or alphanumeric keyboard.

In one embodiment of the display 338 operation, a user may touch an icon representing a pending voicemail and/or multimedia mail message. The panel may be configured to send an electronic signal to the processing controller 306 and/or an attached processor such as the telephony processor. On receiving the signal, the P1 telephony processor 308 may be configured to generate an IP packet via the transceiver 302 across portions of the broadband network 1 to the multimedia server 222 in IP central station 200. The multimedia server 222 may authenticate the request by, for example, verifying location of the request and/or the identity of the requesting party. Where identity of the calling party is being verified, the user enter an access password by an audio and/or keyboard request. Where an audio request is generated, the user may utilize the external/internal intercom module 344 of the broadband residential gateway 300, or via a text message entered into the display 338. The user may then enter the appropriate access code via the onscreen soft keypad, microphone, and/or keyboard. Alternatively, the message could be stored locally in the broadband residential gateways 300 memory 322 and depending on whether there is a password lock on the broadband residential gateway 300, the user may not have to enter a password to access the message. Where the message is stored locally in the broadband residential gateways 300 memory 322 rather than IP central station, the display 338 simply recalls the message from memory and presents to the user to provide one-touch instant message retrieval.

In embodiments where the broadband residential gateway 300 supports multiple mailboxes, the icons on the LCD/LED may be personalized to show the identity of the owner of the message. Each user may have a different password to ensure privacy of access. An activity log which tracks past and present messages and/or archives multimedia messages may be presented on display 338. The archive may be stored locally, or at a remote location such as IP central. The archive may be utilized by the user to recall messages which have long since been erased from local storage but may be retrieved from IP central on tape and/or disk storage. This is preferably an optional feature for those users who are less security conscious. The multimedia messages need not be displayed only on display 338. In alternate embodiments, any of the peripheral devices attached to the broadband residential gateway 300 are capable of receiving the multimedia messages.

The memory 322 may be variously configured to include one or more field-upgradeable card slots for permitting memory expansion. Certain users may wish to enable higher end applications such as near video on demand (e.g., pausing of shows via buffering in memory), video conferencing of multiple users, multi-party conferences, call waiting for multiple parties, etc. Accordingly, the use of a broadband residential gateway 300 allows the user to upgrade memory via inserting additional cards. Alternatively, the user may use system memory in IP central and buffer data remotely.

Operating program store 330 may be configured to receive updates. This may be accomplished by having the user replace one or more memory cards or automatically by the IP central station downloading new operating code into one or more residential gateways 300.

As previously indicated, smart buffer logic (SBL) may be coupled to the telephony port(s) 332, data port(s) 334, TV port(s) 336, peripheral port(s) 342, and/or the distributed processing controller (DPC) 306. Where the smart buffer logic is utilized, it may function to buffer the IP packets for delivery over the communication network such as the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. In addition, the smart buffer logic may include selectable switching and routing algorithms based on services and applications associated with each port. Depending on the destination of the IP traffic, the smart buffer logic may multiplex signal from various devices to effect faster information transfer. The smart buffer logic may also allow direct memory access between memory 322 and one or more of the devices and/or ports coupled to the high speed bus 360.

The telephony port(s) 332 may include various interface circuitry (e.g., analog interface, logic and firmware for interfacing with the Plain Old Telephone (POTs) telephones). Also the telephony port(s) 332 may also be configured to include user interface logic, voice processing logic, voice activity detector logic, voice CODECs, and DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency) tone sensing logic. Echo cancellation and automatic gain control may also be utilized in the telephony port(s) 332 circuitry. In one embodiment, RJ-11 connectors for a plurality of lines (e.g., 4) are provided for connection to one or more existing plain old telephone system 110 telephone units. However, the broadband residential gateway 300 may contain any number of telephone connection ports. In this manner, any number of existing user phone may connected directly to the broadband residential gateway 300 without modification. Alternatively, the broadband residential gateway can be configured to support, in addition to or as alternative to the plain old telephone system telephone units, ISDN telephones and/or other digital phones (e.g., IP telephones) using an appropriate interface.

The data port(s) 334 interface may be variously configured. In one configuration, the data ports include high speed data service connections to, for example, a personal computer (PC) using a LAN connection. For example, the data ports 334 may include an Ethernet 802.3 connection compatible with category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable and a RJ-45 connector. The data port(s) 334 may include the necessary interface circuitry for coupling to remote computers.

The TV port(s) 336 may include an interface for conventional television, HDTV and/or CATV services. The TV port(s) 336 typically have one or more F-connectors used for coaxial cable connection to a TV set(s). The TV ports may be configured to connect to a set top box (STB) via the F-connector or directly to a remote television. In embodiments where the set top box is co-located with the television, the data supplied over the TV ports may be either analog and/or digital information. Where the set top, box is integrated into and/or comprises the broadband residential gateway 300, the TV ports may be analog or compatible with HDTV signals.

The broadband residential gateway 300 need not necessarily be limited to home use and is intended to also be utilized in business applications. In some configurations, the broadband residential gateway 300 may serve the same functions and operate as a private branch exchange (PBX). Where greater capacity is desired, one or more broadband residential gateways 300 may be disposed on a PC card and combined in a PC, rack mount, and/or server to create an expandable private branch exchange type system that enables intra-premises calling between telephones connected to various telephone connectors on the broadband residential gateway 300.

C. Integrated Broadband IP Based Communication System

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the broadband network 1 shown in FIGS. 1-3, with like components identified with identical numbers. At the extremities of the integrated communications system is the customer premises equipment unit (CPE) 102, e.g., one or more customer premise equipment 102 at each customer location. The customer premise equipment 102 may be configured to include an integrated communication interface device such as the broadband residential gateway 300. Other customer premise equipment 102 devices such as one or more televisions (TV) 106, personal computers (PC) 108, and telephones 110, etc., may be connected to the broadband residential gateway 300 via various ports as discussed above. The customer premise equipment 102 could include multiple TVs 106, telephones 110, and PCs 108 connected to a single and/or multiple broadband residential gateway 300. Further, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to divide the broadband residential gateway 300 into more than one physical package. In this manner, certain interface circuitry may be located outside of the home while various processing circuitry may be located near a peripheral device such as in a set top.

Where the broadband residential gateway 300 is coupled to the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it may be configured to provide the user with both information data (e.g., through an Ethernet interface), telephony access, and TV service (e.g., HDTV, Digital TV and/or CATV services). In exemplary embodiments, the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 typically includes both coaxial cable and optical fiber networks, though, where desired, the network may include only coaxial cable or optical fiber. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may be coupled to a head-end hub (HEH) 115. The head end hub 115 may provide an interconnection point to gather and/or transform external services (e.g., off air and satellite video, public switched telephone network voice, and Internet data) into a format suitable for distribution on the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 for use with the customer premise equipment 102. The head-end hub 115 may include one or more cable modem termination systems (CMTS) 116 coupled between the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112, a Head-end (HE) 117 and/or an Edge Router (ER) 118. The edge router 118 may be coupled to the cable modem termination system 116 and to one or more ultra high speed routers (UHR) 121. One or more ultra high speed routers 121 may be interconnected to each other and/or through a centralized mechanism such as an IP network database to form a high speed network. The high speed packet network 120 n is one example of the network 120 (e.g., IP network) shown in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the high speed network 120 n includes the ultra high-speed routers (UHR) 121 configured in a ring configuration. Although this embodiment shows the use of the IP network database (IND) 122, other configurations are also suitable. Where an IP network database 122 is utilized, it may be desirable to incorporate one or more data sets such as: a IP local number portability database (IP LNP) which may be utilized for transferring local DN among service providers when a user changes their service provider; an IP caller name database (IP CNAME) which may be utilized to provide a database of names relating to IP addresses and/or domain names; an IP line information database (IP LIDB) which may provide alternative billing and allow flexibility in determining who pays for a call; and an IP 1-800 Database (IP 8YY) which may provide a database of 1-800 numbers relating to the IP network 120 a. Alternatively, the IP local number portability database may be located at another location, such as at an IP central station (IP Central) 200. Where desired, a local service management system (LSMS) 150 may be arranged to provide management of the IP local number portability database. Where a local service management system 150 is utilized, a plurality of local service order administration (LSOA) units 152 may be coupled to the local service management system by, for example, a number portability administration center (NPAC) 151. In this manner, directory numbers may be transported among different service providers. In such a case, a NPAC 151 is generally coupled to the LSMS 150 and uses the LSMS 150 to synchronize the numbering databases and to coordinate the porting process.

As indicated above, the broadband network 1 may include a plurality of interconnected high performance networks 120 n. Each high performance network 120 n may include a separate IP central station 200 and/or share a single IP central station. Having distributed IP central stations located throughout the broadband network 1 provides improved performance and quicker response time for an individual user. Although not illustrated, each high performance network 120, 120 n may be connected to multiple head-end hubs 115, each head-end hub 115 may be connected to multiple hybrid fiber-coaxial plants 112, and each hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may be connected to a plurality of customer premises equipment 102, each containing one or more broadband residential gateways 300. The plurality of high performance networks 120 n may be configured as an interconnected network for routing packetized information from point-to-point in accordance with a desired destination.

The high performance network 120 n may be configured to provide connectivity for and between a plurality of head-end hubs 115 and/or a plurality of broadband residential gateways 300 and other networks such as the Internet, e.g., www 180, the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 160 and/or various signaling systems such as the SS7 network 170 for end-to-end voice over IP applications. The IP central station 200 may be configured to provide seamless integration and control of the high performance network 120 (e.g., an IP based communication system) interface with the public switched telephone networks (PSTN) 160, signaling system seven (SS7) 170, and/or the Internet 180 so that packetized data voice calls, and other signaling information is properly transferred between the broadband residential gateway 300 and the public switched telephone network 160 and Internet 180. In certain configurations, the hybrid fiber-coaxial 112, head-end hub 115, and high performance network 120, provide a signal conduit for packetized voice and data which may, with the coordination of the IP central station 200, be provided in the appropriate format between the broadband residential gateway 300, the public switched telephone network 160, and/or the www 180.

D. General Operation of Integrated Communication System

The typical home user is currently required to purchase multiple intelligent data conduits such as multiple set-top boxes, a plurality of conventional, DSL and/or ISDN phones, cable modems, HDTV receivers, satellite receivers, home PC LANs, etc. The integrated communication system of the present invention provides a user friendly versatile communication system that enables voice over IP telephony, information data (e.g., PC and Internet), and television services in a system with one intelligent customer premise equipment 102 interface, the broadband residential gateway 300. The broadband residential gateway 300 in conjunction with the IP central station 200 provides a flexible communication system that can provide any number of integrated communication service features and functions without requiring the user to become familiar with numerous, diverse types of equipment.

In one exemplary application of the voice over IP operations, the broadband residential gateway 300 digitizes the analog telephony signal using, for example, G.711μ law coding (64 Kbps Pulse Code Modulation). The digital samples may then be packetized in, for example, the broadband residential gateway 300 into IP packets. The broadband residential gateway 300 may be configured to encapsulate the IP packets into, for example, DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications) frames for transmission back to the head-end hub (HEH) 115 over the hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112. The hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 may then be configured to transport signals for both upstream (to head-end hub 115) and downstream (to the broadband residential gateway 300 and customer premise equipment 102) directions. Although the DOCSIS protocol is utilized in this example, any future protocol may also be used for the digitizing and packeting of data. Where the protocol changes, it may be desirable to download new operating code from, for example, IP central station 200 to the individual broadband residential gateways 300, to update the communication protocols dynamically. When new protocols are adopted, the IP central station may utilize, for example, the system management server 216 to download new protocol data into, for example, the protocol manager in the call manager 218 and the program store 330 in the broadband residential gateway 300.

Where voice packets are sent over constant bit rate (CBR) channels using unsolicited grants, additional packet data channels may be used to support signaling messages (e.g., SGCP, Simple Gateway Control Protocol), high-speed cable modem service and/or other upstream packet data services. The upstream packet data services may be sent using available bit rate (ABR) channels such that the voice channels not impacted by data traffic.

1. TV Signal Reception

The head-end 117 may originate CATV signals for transmission over the distribution network. However, in alternate embodiments, signals may be inserted at other points in the distribution network, such as at various hubs or may arise at remote locations in the network such as IP central. Down stream channels may be utilized to facilitate the transmission of signals from the head-end or other input distribution point to the subscriber premise. Where analog RF signals arrive at the broadband residential gateway 300 of the customer premise equipment 102, typically, the transceiver circuitry 302 will detect if the signal is addressed to this broadband residential gateway 300. If so, the transceiver will allow reception of the RF signal. Upon conversion to a digital format, the signal is typically output over the high speed bus (HSB) 360 to one or more associated devices for processing. For example, where the signal is a TV signal, the signal may be output directly to the TV port 336 and/or processed by the set top box 350 prior to outputting to the TV ports 336 and/or display 338. Where user channel selection is preformed directly in the broadband residential gateway 300, channel selection may be preformed by remote control receiver 365 using an external device such as a remote control. The remote control receiver may receive a plurality of individually coded remote control commands from different receivers and process the signals for only one associated device in accordance with the received commands. Alternative channel inputs include the display 338 and/or any associated keypad. Authorization to certain channels may be controlled by security processor 340.

Where a remote set top box is utilized, the box may be coupled directly to the HFC for individual frequency tuning and/or receive a digital feed from the broadband residential gateway 300 after decoding the digital signal. For example, where hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112 contains fiber connections to locations near the individual homes, it may be desirable to download one or more simultaneous individually requested programming stream(s) and/or digital data stream(s) to the broadband residential gateway 300. In this manner, the number of channels, movie selections, and/or entertainment options available to the user are unlimited. Cost is minimized since only a single intelligent user interface is used in the home and all televisions, phones, computers, and/or other user interface devices use the same intelligent user interface to the broadband network 1. In this manner, the broadband network 1 may offer premium television, voice and/or data services to multiple conventional televisions, phones, and PCs without the use of multiple set boxes, modems, and external connections. Thus, the users are provided a single unified interface to satisfy their external data needs.

2. Exemplary Call Flow of an On-Network Call to an Off-Network Call, with the Off-Network Call Initiating the Dropping

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary call processing sequence for an on-net call (e.g., an IP based call) to an off-net call (e.g., a public switched telephone network based call), in which the off-net party initiates the drop call sequence. The exemplary call processing sequence operates as follows:

-   -   1. Once the broadband residential gateway 300 detects an off         hook condition, the broadband residential gateway 300 may         generate an off hook signal 508 to the call manager (CM) 218.         The off hook signal acts as a dial tone request to the call         manager 218. Alternatively, the broadband residential gateway         300 may collect all dialed digits before activating the off hook         condition. This alternative may be desirable to save resources         at the call manager 218 where multiple incoming lines are         available to handle any additional calls. Thus, even though one         phone is off-hook, the broadband residential gateway 300         determines that other lines are available and does not initiate         the off-hook signal until all dialing digits have been         collected.     -   2. Where the call is managed entirely by the call manager, the         call manager 218 will issue a dial tone message 509 to the         requesting broadband residential gateway 300 in order for the         broadband residential gateway 300 to generate a dial tone to the         associated phone. Where the broadband residential gateway 300         shares management of the call, the broadband residential gateway         300 generates the dial tone in response to the off-hook         condition.     -   3. Where the call is managed entirely by the call manager 218,         the call manager 218 will then enter a state where it polls and         collects the dialed digits 510 from the broadband residential         gateway 300. The dialed digits may then be transferred to the         call manager 218 one at a time as they are entered.         Alternatively, where the call set-up control process is shared         between the broadband residential gateway 300 and the call         manager 218, the broadband residential gateway 300 collects the         dial digits and transfers these, together with the off-hook         signal to the call manager 218. This transfer may be facilitated         by combining this data into a single data packet.     -   4. On receiving the dialed digits, the call manager 218 will         determine whether local number portability has been enabled.         Where local number portability has been enable, the call manager         218 may issue a local number portability (LNP) query 511 to the         IP local number portability database 122. The IP local number         portability database 122 may then supply the call manager 218         with a routing number 512 if the dialed digits form a valid         sequence. Where the dialed digits do not form a valid sequence,         the call manager 218 will return an error indication to the         broadband residential gateway 300. The error designation may         include a tone and/or a more detailed error message for display         on, for example, display 338.     -   5. Where the call sequence is valid, the call manager 218 may         issue a first call proceeding message 513 to the broadband         residential gateway 300 indicating that the number is valid and         the call is proceeding (e.g., a valid on-hook condition).     -   6. Next, the call manager 218 typically determines whether         adequate network resources are available to carry the call. In         embodiments where the broadband residential gateway 300 is         connected to a hybrid fiber-coaxial plant 112, the call manager         218 may send an open gate allocation request 514 to the cable         modem transmission system 116. In this event, it is often         desirable for the cable modem transmission system 116 to provide         a gate allocation acknowledgement 515. A gate allocation         acknowledgement may be utilized to verify that the necessary         gate resources have been allocated.     -   7. The call manager 218 may send an open connection request 516         to the voice gateway (VG) 232 in order to provision the         connection. Once the connection is provisioned, the VG 232 may         provide an open connection acknowledgement 517 back to the call         manager 218.     -   8. For off network connections, it is often necessary to enter a         second phase of the connection process involving the appropriate         link signaling to establish a call. For example, the call         manager 218 may send an ISUP IAM (Initial Address) message 518         containing the directory number (DN) of the called party to the         signaling gateway (SG) 234. This process is often utilized to         allocate the appropriate voice trunk for communication. The call         manager 218 may also send an alerting message 519 t the         broadband residential gateway to produce an alerting signal,         e.g., a ringing tone. The signaling gateway 234 may make the         appropriate connections when the trunk has been allocated and         acknowledge the request with an ISUP A call manager (Address         Complete) message 520.     -   9. Once the called party has answered the call and connection is         established, the signaling gateway 234 may send an ISUP ANM         (Answered) message 521 to the call manager 218 indicating that         the called party has answered.     -   10. The call manager 218 may then send a call start message 522         to the accounting gateway (AG) 240, indicating the start of the         call. The AG 240 may use this information for billing purposes.     -   11. At this point, the link has been established and the         conversation 523 can proceed over the communications path. Note         that although signaling system 7 (SS7) signaling is used herein         to illustrate the present invention and is a well known         signaling protocol utilized in the art of telephony         telecommunication, the instant invention is not limited to the         use of signaling system 7 (SS7) signaling for call establishment         of an off-network call; the use of signaling system 7 (SS7)         signaling is merely illustrative. As such, other methods of         signaling may be substituted for signaling system 7 (SS7).     -   12. When the called public switched telephone network user         terminates the link, an on hook signal may be sent to the         appropriate public switched telephone network switch, such as a         5ESS. The signaling network may then send a call termination         message (not shown) to the signaling gateway 234 as notification         of the call termination status.     -   13. The signaling gateway 234 may then generate a release 524         signal to the call manager 218.     -   14. Upon receipt of the release 524 signal, the call manager 218         may a) initiate the relinquishment of the provisioned network         resources by issuing a close connection 525 message to the voice         gateway (VG) 232 and a release complete 526 message to the         signaling gateway 234, b) inform the accounting gateway that the         call has been terminated, for billing purposes via, for example,         sending a call end 527 message to the accounting gateway 240.     -   15. With reference to the close connection 525 message, the         voice gateway may respond by issuing a report message 528 to the         call manager 218 containing the current status of the call.     -   16. On receiving the call status report 528, the call manager         218 may issue a delete connection 529 message to the broadband         residential gateway 300.     -   17. The broadband residential gateway 300 may then releases its         resources and sends a status report 530 to the call manager 218.         In addition to the report 530, the broadband residential gateway         300 may also send an on hook 531 status report to the call         manager 218.     -   18. The call manager 218 may then inform the broadband         residential gateway 300 to report the next off hook condition         via message 532.     -   19. Where a cable modem transmission system is utilized, the         call manager 218 may then issues a release gate 533 message to         the cable modem transmission system 116 so that all the modem         resources can be relinquished. Once the gate resources have been         released, the cable modem transmission system 118 sends a         release gate complete 534 message to the call manager 218. At         this point, all resources pertaining to the call have been         relinquished.

3. Exemplary Call Flow of an on-Network Call to Another on-Network User, Under One Call Manager Control

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary call flow of an on-network call to another on-network user, with the call being handled by a single call manager (CM) 218. In alternate embodiments, different portions of the call set-up sequence may be handled by more than one call manager 218 in the IP network 120. The exemplary “on-network” call processing sequence operates as follows:

-   -   1. Once the broadband residential gateway 300A detects and off         hook condition of, for example, a telephone, the broadband         residential gateway 300A may generate an off hook signal 607 to         the call manager (CM) 218. The off hook signal may act as a dial         tone request to the call manager 218.     -   2. The call manager 218 may then issue a dial tone message 608         to the requesting near-side broadband residential gateway 300A         in order for the broadband residential gateway 300A to generate         a dial tone.     -   3. The call manager 218 may then enter a state where it polls         and collects the dialed digits 609 from broadband residential         gateway 300A. The dialed digits are transferred to the call         manager 218 one at a time. In a similar fashion to the subject         matter discussed above, in embodiments where the call setup is         shared between the call manager 218 and the broadband         residential gateway 300A, the broadband residential gateway may         manage the call set-up and transfer both the off-hook signal and         the dialed digits to the call manager 218 within one or more.     -   4. On receiving the completed dialed digits, the call manager         218 may issue a local number portability query 610 to the IP         local number portability database 122. The IP local number         portability database 122 may then supply the call manager 218         with a routing number 611 if the dialed digits constitute a         valid sequence.     -   5. The call manager 218 may then ensure that adequate network         resources are available to accommodate the call.     -   6. Where adequate resources are available, the call manager 218         may issue a first setup message 612 to whatever mechanism         couples the far side broadband residential gateway 300, e.g.,         the cable modem transmission system 116B, to allocate         transmission resources on the far side.     -   7. A call proceeding message and a report on hook condition         message 613 may then be sent to the broadband residential         gateway 300A.     -   8. A gate allocation message 614 may then be sent from the call         manager 218 to the cable modem transmission system 116A, where         the broadband residential gateway 300A is coupled via a cable         modem transmission system. In this environment, a gate         allocation 614 message may be utilized to set up the relevant         modem resources.     -   9. Where a cable modem transmission system is utilized and         receives the setup message 612 from call manager 218, the cable         modem transmission system 116B may then send a connection         request 615 message to the far side broadband residential         gateway 300B.     -   10. Where a cable modem transmission system 116B is utilized,         the cable modem transmission system may then sends a setup         acknowledgement 616 to call manager 218. Once the resources are         allocated by the cable modem transmission system 116A, the cable         modem transmission system may then send a gate allocation         acknowledgement message 617 back to the call manager 218.     -   11. Once the call manager 218 receives the setup acknowledgement         616 along with the gate allocation acknowledgement message 617,         the far-side broadband residential gateway 300B may then send a         ringing message 618 to the far-side cable modem transmission         system 116B where this connectivity is utilized.     -   12. In these embodiments, the far-side cable modem transmission         system 116B may then issue an alerting message 619 to the call         manager 218.     -   13. The call manager 218 may then convey the alert via an         alerting message 620 to the broadband residential gateway 300A,         to produce a indicating signal such as a ringing signal         indicating that the call is going through.     -   14. The cable modem transmission system 116B may then issue a         connect message 622 to the call manager 218 in response to the         far-side broadband residential gateway 300B sending an off hook         message 621 to the far-side cable modem transmission system         116B. At this point, the end-to-end communication path is         established and conversation 623 can be facilitated.     -   15. Assuming that the calling party hangs up first, the         broadband residential gateway 300A may initiate an on hook         sequence 624 message which may be communicated to the near-side         cable modem transmission system 116A.     -   16. The cable modem transmission system 116A may then issue a         disconnect message 625 to the call manager (CM) 218. The call         manager 218 may then issue a first delete connection request 626         to the near-side broadband residential gateway 300A and then a         second delete connection request 627 to the far-side broadband         residential gateway 300B.     -   17. The near-side broadband residential gateway 300A may respond         to the call manager 218 with a report message 628 containing the         connection status, as well as an on hook message 630 to verify         that the calling party at near-side broadband residential         gateway 300A has terminated the call.     -   18. The far-side broadband residential gateway 300B may respond         to the call manager 218 with a report message 629 containing the         connection status, as well as an on hook message 631 indicating         that the called party connection has now been terminated.     -   19. At this point, the call manager 218 may issue release gate         messages 634 and 635 to the near-side cable modem transmission         system 218 and far side cable modem transmission system 116B,         respectively, so as to release the modems associated with the         call. Once all the resources have releases, the cable modem         transmission system 116A and the cable modem transmission system         116B may issue gate release complete messages 636 and 637         respectively to the call manager 218.     -   20. For simplicity, the accounting processing is not shown.         However, the process used in FIG. 5 may be utilized as the         billing procedure for on-net calls. Such a process might         constitute sending a call start message from the call manager         218 to an accounting gateway (AG) 240 after the connect message         622 is sent from the far-side cable modem transmission system         116B to call manager 218. The call start message would trigger         the start of the billing procedure. A corresponding call end         message would then be sent from the call manager 218 to the AG         240 after the near-side cable modem transmission system 116A         sends a the disconnect message 625 to the call manager 218. This         call end message would trigger the ending of the billing         procedure for that call.         Although the IP voice packets for these calls are typically         routed over the IP network 120, the system may, where         appropriate, route IP voice packets over the Internet 180.         II. Secured Communications

The present invention provides for protected communications in a powerful, facilities-based, broadband communications system that guarantees voice, data and video communication reliability and security to users for an multimedia system including integrated telephone, television and data network. The invention includes a manner of providing for secured communications in a broadband local access communication using encryption. This security feature provides full path encryption for on network communications and partial path encryption for off network communications.

The communication information including voice, data, video and multimedia transmitted in the broadband communication system may be packetized and secured using encryption techniques, for example encryption software, including a means for providing an initial security key and updated security keys to the various pieces of communication equipment located throughout the broadband communication system. The security key may be updated by the system at various time intervals. The user may activate the security feature at any time before or during a communication. The use may also select the level of security used and the type of media to which security is to be applied.

The broadband communication system may be configured so that an initial security encryption key is assigned and provided to various pieces of communication equipment located throughout the broadband communication system. The type of equipment that will be assigned and provided a security encryption key may typically be gateways and/or servers that are actively involved in the secured communication feature/function; for example a customer premises gateway (e.g., a broadband residential gateway (BRG) 300), a gateway for inter-linking with another communication network (e.g. voice gateway (VG) 232), and/or a secured communication feature server (e.g., call manager (CM) 218). The secured communication feature will be first explained referring to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment for providing secured communications in a broadband communications system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. A secured communication may be activated by a subscriber (user) indicating to the system that they wish the communication to be secure by pressing, for example, a “secure” button on their BRG 300 or entering a secured communication feature code via a telephone 110 or computer 108. If the communication session is an on network session, the next communication information packet 710 sent from the secure communication originating gateway 705 (e.g., BRG1 300) to the secure communication terminating gateway 708 (e.g., BRG2 300) an encryption key, key 1, that has been assigned to the secure communication originating gateway. Of course the first packet may be the initial packet of the communication session. Packet 710 may also include an indication of the type of encryption algorithm to be used and the type of media (e.g., audio, video, text, multimedia, etc,) to be secured. Subsequently, the secure communication terminating gateway 708 and secure communication originating gateway 705 send communication packets 711 and 710 to one another which are encrypted with the encryption key 1.

On the other hand, if the communication session is an off network session, the next communication information packet 712 sent from the secure communication originating gateway 705 (e.g., BRG1 300) to the secure communication terminating gateway 707 (e.g., VG 232 or multimedia gateway (MG) 230) an encryption key, key 1, that has been assigned to the secure communication originating gateway. However, in this case the packet 712 may be routed through IP central station 200 which may include secured communication feature server 706 (e.g., CM 218). Subsequently, the secure communication terminating gateway 707 and secure communication originating gateway 705 send communication packets 713 and 712 to one another which are encrypted with the encryption key 1. As with the on network communication session, packet 712 may also include an indication of the type of encryption algorithm to be used and the type of media (e.g., audio, video, text, multimedia, etc,) to be secured.

In another example, the user may request the secure communication feature by pressing the “secure” button on the BRG1 300 which may send a signal to the CM 218 to activate encryption. A secure line ensues between the CM 218 and BRG1 300 as well as any other BRG 300 (CM 218 or gateway to for example a PSTN (e.g., VR 232) and CM 218 involved in the transmission path occurs using for example the initial encryption key(s) provide by the CM(s) 218 to the BRG(s) 300. Within the first packet of secure information is an encryption key which has been randomly generated by the CM 218 associated with the originating BRG 300. Subsequently, all BRGs 300 involved in the secure communication session packetize information using the encryption key as a result of the secure call feature activation. The BRGs thereby establish a secure link session using the shared key information provided by the CM 218 using the secure key to encode, for example IP packets, for all communication during the communication session.

Although the invention has been explained above using an example where the user activates the secure communication feature using CPE 102, the secured communication may be activated by a subscriber using remote equipment via, for example, the PSTN 160 (e.g., entering the secure communication feature using a POTS keypad or voice activation). Further, the on network call may be routed through the IP Central Station 200 and the secured communication feature server 706. In addition, the secured communication terminating gateways 707 and 708 may be associated with other secured communication servers other than secured communication server 706, which communicated with secured communication server 706 to coordinate the secured communication feature. The secure communication session may even be activated on one leg of a conference call as designated by the user.

The various pieces of communication equipment involved in secured communication processing are each assigned a unique encryption key for their private use and provided by, for example, a secured communication server 706 associated with that piece of communication equipment. Referring to FIG. 8, a process flow diagram illustrating a preferred method for providing an initial encryption key to the various communication devices for secured communications in a broadband communications system is provided. When communication equipment, for example a BRG 300, is first registered and with, for example, an IP Central Station 200, the IP Central Station 200 assigns an initial encryption key that is assigned and retained by a server (e.g., call manager (CM) 218 server) and the BRG 300. First, at step 805, the system, for example the system management server 216, determines if a new communication device has been added to the broadband communication system. If so, then at step 806 the system, for example the secured communication feature server 706, determines if the new device may be an originating point or a terminating point in a secured communication. If so, the system, for example the secured communication feature server 706, may assign an initial security key to the new device. In a preferred embodiment, the newly “registered” customer premises equipment 102 transmits its secret serial number assigned during manufacturing or its assigned system address to server 706 which uses this information to encrypt the initial security key (and possibly subsequent keys) for transmission to the BRG 300. This security key may be a private encryption key used for any one of a number of encryption methods. Thus, an initial encryption key may be assigned and provided to a BRG 300 during provisioning.

As previously described, this initial encryption key may be used to establish a secure two way communication between two pieces of communication equipment such as an originating point communication equipment (OPCE) and a terminating point communication equipment (TPCE), for example, the BRG 300 (OPCE) and the CM 218 (TPCE), the BRG 300 (OPCE), BRG1 705, and another BRG 300 (TPCE), BRG2 708, or the BRG 300 and a gateway for interfacing with another communication system (e.g. VG 232) 707. Whenever a user first activates a secure communication feature, whether before or during (on the fly) a communication session, the origination point communication equipment (e.g., BRG1 707) will send the terminating point communication equipment (e.g., BRG2 708) a packet including a private key which may be the BRG's initial encryption key. Subsequently the two pieces of communication equipment will encrypt and decrypt communication packets to one another using the private key. If the communication is between a communication gateway and, for example, the secured communication feature server that assigned the initial private key to the communication gateway, then the origination point communication equipment may begin encrypting communications with the terminating point communication equipment (in this case a server) without first sending the private key to the terminating point communication equipment.

However, as indicated in step 808, the system (e.g., secured communication feature server 706) determines if the initial security key assigned to a particular piece of equipment is to be updated to a new security key. If so, the system will update the initial security key with a new security key at step 809. The security key update may be provided by the secured communication feature server 706 and/or the particular piece of equipment whose security key is to be updated. For example, if the system is programmed to update the security keys at various time intervals then the CM 218 may send the BRG 300, the VG 232, the MG 230, the IG 236, etc., updated security keys to replace the initial security keys. Alternatively, the devices themselves may update their own security keys based on a group of keys initially assigned by the CM 218. As such, the encryption key (including the initial encryption key) may be repeatedly updated and changed at various time intervals. The repeated updates may be at periodic (e.g., daily) or at random time intervals. Updates of the encryption security key may occur when the secure call feature is active or inactive, so that a hacker that breaks an encryption key at any point in time will not have continuous communication security intrusion.

Referring to FIG. 9 shows a process flow diagram is provided illustrating one method for activating a secured communications in a broadband communications system. First, at step 905, the system, for example an originating gateway 705, determines if a subscriber (user) has requested a secure communication session. If so, at step 906 the system (e.g., originating gateway 705) determines if the user has designated secure communication for only a particular media type (e.g., audio, video, text, multimedia, etc.). If not, then at step 907 the system, for example originating gateway 705, begins encrypting each of the communication information packets (after a first secure communication packet is sent including the security key to be used) sent from the originating gateway 705 to a terminating gateway (e.g., terminating gateway 707 or 708). If the secure communication originating gateway is, for example, a BRG 300, then a security processor 340 may use one of a number of encryption methods, for example Data Encryption Standard (DES), Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman (RSA), etc., and the security key or combination of security keys providing multiple levels of security to encrypt the packets. For example, the secret serial number of the BRG 300 and a user password may provide additional keys and/or levels of security according to their use with a given encryption algorithm. If the user has designated a particular media type, for example text or audio, then at step 908 only packets with that media type information will be encrypted. In either case, then at step 909, the system (e.g., the originating gateway 705) will determine if the user has selected a particular level of security. If not, at step 910, the system (e.g., originating gateway 705) will encrypt the information packets using a system designated encryption method and the security key. Otherwise, at step 911, the system (e.g., originating gateway 705) will encrypt the information packets using an encryption method consistent with the user designated security level or type. For example, if the user has requested just a basic security level then the system might encrypt the information packets using DES or PGP. On the other hand, if the user has requested the most secure communication possible the system might encrypt using RSA, etc. Further, the system may combine the most secure type of encryption algorithm with more frequent changes in security keys to offer an ultra secure communication session. Another method for providing multiple levels of security may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/395,789, which is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes.

As indicated above, the secure communication feature may be activated and deactivated by the user at anytime before or during (i.e., real time activation) an existing communication session (e.g., telephone call, data, video, and/or multimedia session). The customer premises equipment 102 (e.g., the BRG 300) may have, for example, a “secure” button on a keypad or touch screen to allow the caller to activate the secure feature on calls or data sessions. The entire session (e.g., the audio of an IP telephone call) or a portion of a session (i.e., when the security feature is activated on the fly in real time during a conversation) may be secured using encryption in response to the user pressing the “secure” button. The secure communication feature may be deactivated by user command. For example, the user may presses the “secure” button again during a secure session and the security encryption may turn off, so that only a selected portion of a communication session will be secure. Alternatively, the feature could be activated or deactivated by using a feature code input via a POTS phone set or a command entered using a PC.

In the case where the user selects the secure communication feature to secure one or more types of media using encryption while not securing other types of media in a multimedia communication session, a user may enter a secure session feature code which encrypts the for example, the data (or text) portion of a multimedia session while the voice portion is not encrypted. Thus, a user may send certain text documents securely to one party while they are talking with the party and/or other parties at the same time. Alternatively, a user may enter a code so that different media types, for example audio, video, text, and multimedia audio and video, may be secured at different levels of security using for example different encryption types or algorithms (e.g., DES, PGP, RSA, etc.).

The system may include the ability to transfer control of the security feature from one gateway to another or to alternately use the security encryption keys of the originating gateway and the terminating gateway in respective packeted information. Referring to FIG. 10, a block diagram of another preferred embodiment for providing secured communications in a broadband communications is illustrated. In this case; a second security key, key 2, and a third security key, key 3, is provided to the secure communication originating gateway 1005 and the secure communication terminating gateway 1006. This process of supplying new keys to the originating and terminating equipment may be repeated continuously at various time intervals. As a first round, first packet 1007 is encrypted using key 1 of the originating gateway 1005 and the packet includes key 2. The secure communication terminating gateway 1006 then sends its next information packet 1008, encrypted using key 2 and containing key 3, to secure communication originating gateway 1005. The switching of encryption keys from one assigned to the originating gateway to one assigned to the terminating gateway may occur one time in response to a user request (e.g., user enters a feature code) to transfer control of the secure communication feature, or on a continuos basis (or somewhere in between) in response to a users request for increased security. In either case, the secure communication session may begin by using the originating gateway's key but then start using the terminating gateway's key.

Further, a secure communication session may include a server, for example a call manager (CM) 218, coordinating a secure communication between two pieces of communication equipment by translating between two different encryption algorithms in two separate legs of a communication session (e.g., a telephone call). In the case where the originating gateway 1005 and the terminating gateway 1006 are using different encryption methods, for example the originating gateway may be using PGP and the terminating gateway 1006 may be using RSA, the packet information may the sent to the secured communication feature server 706, translated into the encryption method that is being used on the respective receiving gateway, and forward it on to the intended receiving gateway. So, the secured communication feature server 706 may act as an encryption translator. Alternatively, the server may send encryption algorithms to a piece of communication equipment on the fly so that the various pieces of communication equipment are using the same algorithm. As with previous embodiments, there may be more than one secured communication feature server involved in the secure communication feature process.

By using the secure communication feature according to the present invention, confidential information can be protected from hackers while the information is transmitted through the broadband communication system. However, any communication which includes a leg in the PSTN 160 will only have encryption security while the communication packet propagates in the broadband communication system. Once the communication enters the PSTN 160 it has only that security provided by the traditional wireline PSTN 160.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the preferred embodiments and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

The following co-pending U.S. Patent applications, originally filed the same day as the present application, are hereby incorporated by reference:

-   1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,167, entitled “Automatic     Port Status Reporting and Selective Call Barge-in For a Broadband     Voice Over IP Telephony System and Method” invented by Kung et al. -   2. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,140, entitled “Automatic     Cable Phone Service Activation,” invented by Kung et al. -   3. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,141, entitled “Broadband     Cable Telephony Network Architecture IP ITN Network Architecture     Reference Model,” invented by Kung et al. -   4. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,142, entitled “IP     Conference Call Waiting,” invented by Kung et al. -   5. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,143, entitled “Conference     Server For Automatic X-Way Call Port Expansion Feature”, invented by     Kung et al. -   6. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,197, entitled “Wireless     Touch Screen Television,” invented by Kung et al. -   7. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,195, entitled     “Programmable Feature Buttons on a Broadband Residential Gateway,”     invented by Kung et al. -   8. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,745, entitled “Automatic     Call,” Manager Traffic Gate Feature,” invented by Kung et al. -   9. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,201, entitled “Local     Number,” Portability Database for On-net IP Call,” invented by Kung     et al. -   10. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,747, entitled “Personal     IP Follow Me Service,” invented by Kung et al. -   11. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,194, entitled “Personal     IP Toll-Free Number,” invented by Kung et al. -   12. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,196, entitled “User     Programmable Port Hunting in an IP Based Customer Premise     Equipment,” invented by Kung et al. -   13. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,146 entitled “IP Leased     Line,” invented by Kung et al. -   14. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,160, entitled “Anonymous     Call Rejection,” invented by Kung et al. -   15. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,161, entitled “Automatic     Callback With Distinctive Ringing,” invented by Kung et al. -   16. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,162, entitled “IP     Multimedia Call Blocking,” invented by Kung et al. -   17. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,144, entitled “IP Call     Forward Profile,” invented by Kung et al. -   18. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,671, entitled “IP Call     Forward Follow Me,” invented by Kung et al. -   19. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,670, entitled “Enhanced     BRG with Display Capabilities,” invented by Kung et al. -   20. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,672, entitled “Hand Held     Integrated IP Device,” invented by Kung et al. -   21. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/472,292, entitled “Wireless     Settop Box,” invented by Walker et al. -   22. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,145, entitled “BRG     PCMCIS Card Cable Ready for PCs,” invented by Kung et al. -   23. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/476,494, entitled “Broadband     Service Access” invented by Kung et al. -   24. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,798, entitled “Method     for Providing Broadband Public IP Services,” invented by Kung et al. -   25. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,797, entitled “Method     For Billing IP Broadband Subscribers,” invented by Kung et al. -   26. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,165, entitled “BRG With     PBX Capabilities,” invented by Kung et al. -   27. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,783, entitled “Enhanced     IP Subscriber Alerting,” invented by Kung et al. -   28. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,782, entitled “Chase Me     System,” invented by Kung et al. -   29. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,673, entitled “Call Hold     With Reminder and Information Push,” invented by Kung et al. -   30. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,293, entitled “Activity     Log For Improved Call Efficiency,” invented by Kung et al. -   31. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,779, entitled “Selective     Information Admissions,” invented by Kung et al. -   32. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,166, entitled “User     Programmable Fail-proof IP Hotline/Warm-line,” invented by Kung et     al. -   33. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/476,493, entitled     “Authentication of Broadband IP Telephony Service,” invented by Kung     et al. -   34. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,667, entitled     “simplified IP Service Control,” invented by Kung et al. -   35. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,206, entitled “Personal     Control of Address Assignment & Greeting Options for Multiple BRG     Ports,” invented by Kung et al. -   36. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,294, entitled     “Integrated Multimedia Messaging Service,” invented by Kung et al. -   37. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,666, entitled “Remote     Monitoring Through the BRG,” invented by Kung et al. -   38. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,296, entitled “Cable     Headend System with Pseudo-Switching Capabilities,” invented by Kung     et al. -   39. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,287, entitled “A Method     for Performing Roaming Across Multiple IP networks,” invented by     Kung et al. -   40. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,662, entitled “Scalable     VoIP network server For Low Cost PBX,” invented by Kung et al. -   41. Patent application Ser. No. 09/475,288, entitled “Call Services     Transfer,” invented by Kung et al. -   42. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,204, entitled “Multiple     Call Waiting in a Packetized Communication System,” invented by Kung     et al. -   43. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,205, entitled     “Optimizing Voice Paths in an IP Telephony Network,” invented by     Kung et al. -   44. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,203, entitled “Call     Waiting and Forwarding in a Packetized Communication System,”     invented by Kung et al. -   45. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,202, entitled “Incoming     Call Identification in IP Telephony,” invented by Kung et al. -   46. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,290, entitled “Incoming     IP Call Remote Party Data,” invented by Kung et al. -   47. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,295, entitled “Personal     User Network (Closed User Network) PUN, CUN,” invented by Kung et     al. -   48. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,668, entitled “IP     Address Interworking Unit (IAIU) For Automatic IP V4 to V6 Address     Translation,” invented by Kung et al. -   49. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/475,669, entitled “Automatic     Off-Hook Recovery and Fail-Proof Call Delivery,” invented by Kung et     al.

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 

1. A method of operation of a first subscriber gateway located at a customer premises comprising the steps of: receiving a first encryption key at the first subscriber gateway from a network server located at an IP central station in a broadband network, said first encryption key generated by said network server; transmitting said first encryption key from said first subscriber gateway to a second subscriber gateway located at a customer premises; encrypting first data packets with said first encryption key; transmitting said encrypted first data packets to said second subscriber gateway; and receiving encrypted second data packets from said second subscriber gateway, said received encrypted second data packets having been encrypted by said second subscriber gateway using said first encryption key.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving a replacement encryption key from said network server.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: encrypting said replacement encryption key using said first encryption key; and transmitting said encrypted replacement encryption key to said second subscriber gateway.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the steps of: encrypting third data packets with said replacement encryption key; transmitting said encrypted third data packets to said second subscriber gateway; and receiving encrypted fourth data packets from said second subscriber gateway, said received encrypted fourth data packets having been encrypted by said second subscriber gateway using said replacement encryption key.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: registering with said network server; and wherein said first encryption key is received in response to said step of registering.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: transmitting a data packet identifying an encryption algorithm to said second subscriber gateway.
 7. A first subscriber gateway located at a customer premises comprising: means for receiving a first encryption key from a network server located at an IP central station in a broadband network, said first encryption key generated by said network server; means for transmitting said first encryption key from said first subscriber gateway to a second subscriber gateway located at a customer premises; means for encrypting first data packets with said first encryption key; means for transmitting said encrypted first data packets to said second subscriber gateway; and means for receiving encrypted second data packets from said second subscriber gateway, said received encrypted second data packets having been encrypted by said second subscriber gateway using said first encryption key.
 8. The first subscriber gateway of claim 7 further comprising means for receiving a replacement encryption key from said network server.
 9. The first subscriber gateway of claim 8 further comprising: means for encrypting said replacement encryption key using said first encryption key; and means for transmitting said encrypted replacement encryption key to said second subscriber gateway.
 10. The first subscriber gateway of claim 9 further comprising: means for encrypting third data packets with said replacement encryption key; means for transmitting said encrypted third data packets to said second subscriber gateway; and means for receiving encrypted fourth data packets from said second subscriber gateway, said received encrypted fourth data packets having been encrypted by said second subscriber gateway using said replacement encryption key.
 11. The first subscriber gateway of claim 7 further comprising: means for registering with said network server; and wherein said first encryption key is received in response to said registering.
 12. The first subscriber gateway of claim 7 further comprising: means for transmitting a data packet identifying an encryption algorithm to said second subscriber gateway.
 13. A method for operation of a network server located at an IP central station in a broadband network comprising the steps of: transmitting a first encryption key from the network server to a first subscriber gateway located at a customer premises, said first encryption key generated by the network server; receiving at the network server from said first subscriber gateway first data packets encrypted with said first encryption key using a first encryption algorithm; decrypting said encrypted first data packets; re-encrypting said first data packets with said first encryption key using a second encryption algorithm; and transmitting said re-encrypted first data packets from the network server to a second subscriber gateway located at a customer premises.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of: transmitting a replacement encryption key to said first subscriber gateway.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of: receiving from said second subscriber gateway second data packets encrypted with said first encryption key using said second encryption algorithm; decrypting said encrypted second data packets; re-encrypting said second data packets with said first encryption key using said first encryption algorithm; and transmitting said re-encrypted second data packets to said first subscriber gateway.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of transmitting a first encryption key to a first subscriber gateway is in response to said first subscriber gateway registering with said network server. 